Facing Foreclosure??? Resources To Finding Help

You are not alone! In February 2009, according to RealtyTrac filings for foreclosures – notices of default and auction sale notices were reported on approximately 274,399 US properties.

You are trying to hold it together. There are six, seven, sometimes eight calls a day from your mortgage company – and that’s just from 5 pm to 8 pm. You figure, there is no need to answer the phone and speak to your mortgage company, because when you tried all you got was a Representatives was down right rude.  Not to mention, every time he/she asks the same questions - ”Will you be making a payment today?  Do you know that you are now behind on your mortgage and may face foreclosure?” You just want to yell, “I DON’T KNOW – LEAVE ME ALONE!!”

You received a letter in the mail today from your mortgage company, informing you that your interest rate is increasing in 90 days. Now your mortgage payment will increase by almost $500.  When you bought your home, you planned to refinance before the rate increase, because you had equity in your home. You didn’t count on the housing market tanking, an increase in short sales and foreclosures, which left you with little or no equity.   

A week after the first letter you receive a letter for “notice of foreclosure or default.” You read this and begin to panic, thinking that maybe you made a mistake and read the letter wrong. You continue reading and when you are finished, you go back to those words, “notice of foreclosure or default.”  Now the panic REALLY sets in and anger overcomes you. Things were hopeless before, but now you don’t know what to do.

After about an hour you collect yourself and make a short list of your options:

• Immediately move in with your parents or a friend’s and put your things in storage. You decide to take any appliances, so you can sell them for some quick money.
• Move immediately to an apartment if you credit is still decent. 
• Stick it out and wait until the Police or Sheriff’s office comes to put you out. You decide not to, because you live in a nice community and what would your neighbors think?  BAD IDEA.
• You could move without taking anything but your clothes, leaving all your belongings and furniture.

If you are facing foreclosure consider seeking out Companies or Organizations that are reputable like HUD, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. You may also visit the following links that provide information about the foreclosure process and the laws in your state:

• Making Home Affordable (government site)
• HUD.gov *
• HUD brochure “How To Avoid Foreclosure” *
• Freddie Mac
• Fannie Mae
• Foreclosure Laws by State
• National Association of Realtors – Foreclosure Assistance Programs by State

* HUD (US Department of Urban Housing and Development)

There are Companies and Organizations that offer assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure.  Sometimes, the offers of assistance sound too good to be true.  There are reports of Homeowners who were too trusting and not only lost their home to foreclosure but lost any equity in the home.  Be an educated Consumer and Homeowner.  Ask questions and do not sign any documents or agreements until you have read and understand everything. Consult an Attorney or other professionals qualified to advise you of your rights.

Try not to let the shame, anger or stress take your focus away from the ultimate goal – saving your home.